Hi

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I saw a therapist today. I wasn't sure if I was actually depressed but knew I needed help. The therapist does think I'm depressed and "on the verge of needing medication".
My stress, anxiety, frustration, depression, whatever you want to call it, stems from my sweet wakeful baby. We've been struggling with his sleep for over 2 months now, and it's really been wearing me down lately. I'm basically in survival mode and have been for a long time. We are starting sleep training and I know it's going to be hard, and I'm not sure I have the reserves to be strong and get through it.
This was our first appointment so we just went over my history and she briefly suggested different ways of thinking about things and some things to do to relieve my stress, like taking some time for myself, etc. She said next time we'll work on things more and she'll teach me some relaxation techniques. But our next appointment isn't until Oct 8! What the heck am I supposed to do until then?
I've been lurking for a couple of weeks so it will be nice to "meet" you all. :]

rx2b1603

Well, Im a new mom to a 6 day old baby girl and am struggling with some anxiety and fears myself.  I know that 2 weeks sounds like a long time for your next appointment but keep  there are a couple things to keep in mind.  First of all, despite everything going on, you have gotten this far and continue doing this.  Secondly, if things are getting too bad for you and you feel you need to talk to someone sooner than 2 weeks, you can always call the office and let them know you are having trouble and need to talk.  Maybe they can squeeze you in. Another option is talking to your primary care Dr about starting a depression medication in the meantime. They do take about 2 weeks to really start working.  I have also tried journaling when i feel extra anxious as a way of releasing my feelings.  Walks are a good way to relax as well.  Good luck with trying to find some ways to relax in the meantime.  Walking does really help!

[Deleted User]

Thank you! I hope you feel better soon too.

retallica

Hi there, I remember you from the March board! I'm sorry to see you here. 

I know how hard it is to have sleep issues. I think the straw that broke the camel's back for me was the sheer exhaustion from not sleeping for months. He has STTN once since he was born, and this just happened a few days ago. I felt like I was losing my mind. I've done some sleep training with my son, and I know how hard it can be when you feel like your heart is going in one direction, but in your head you know it's for the best. We tried so many things, RnP, swaddling, rocking, bedsharing, everything. He was waking every 2-3 hours, sometimes more, for months. It was so hard. Especially when I went back to work. Anyway, I am just rambling, but I just want you to know you aren't alone! 

Things are much better now. I started meds and have been going to counseling & I am starting to feel like myself again. My son is sleeping longer stretches and I feel like a new person. I didn't realize how far down I was til I started feeling better.

PM if you want to talk!  

[Deleted User]

Hi ret, I remember you too. :] Our situations seem very similar! We are doing a gradual, gentle sleep training plan that I'm hoping I can stick with since it shouldn't be as hard on DS as some other CIO methods. I just have no patience left, though, and the mood swings are terrible. I guess the plan for the weekend is to take some time for myself, and maybe next weekend my parents can watch DS for a few hours while DH and I do something together. We haven't been connecting much lately.
I'm just really hoping I can manage this without medication. I hope that as things improve with DS's sleep I'll start to feel better. If that doesn't happen I guess then I'll have no excuse and have to think about meds.
That was pretty rambley too. It's nice to talk to some people who understand what I'm going through!

retallica

I really didn't want to do CIO, it is one thing that was giving me such anxiety. The dr suggested I put the sleep training on the back burner til I was feeling better & could go at it with a clear head. That really helped. Have you heard of the Sleepeasy method? It's a modified CIO with check-ins and really that is what worked for us. I am so with you on the gentle approach.

Time for yourself is so important! I felt like I was suffocating & had no time to even breathe, let alone take time for myself. I had to work on that.  

[Deleted User]

I have heard a little about Sleepeasy. We ended up getting a personalized plan from The Baby Sleep Site. I just didn't feel like any one method was right for us, and I like that I can email them with questions along the way. Last night didn't go that great. I just have no patience and get frustrated so easily. Then DS decides 5:15 is wake up time. Umm, I don't think so!
I know he doesn't knowingly do this, but it seems like he wears me down until I break, and then he'll calm down and let me get him back to sleep. :[
I had a hair appointment this morning which should have been enjoyable, but I just knew I'd be coming home to a tired, hungry baby. Sure enough, DH didn't feed him or put him down for a nap. And as soon as I started nursing him I noticed he had a dirty diaper. So I had to stop and change him, which really hurt his feelings. I don't think DH understands how he contributes to my stress. I need to talk to him.
Maybe this is turning into more of a PM conversation. I'm not sure how to PM from my phone but I'll give it a try now.